BUILD OUT LINE RULE UPDATED

IMPORTANT UPDATE: NCSA has modified and hopefully simplified the Build Out Line Rule for U9-10 play based upon the first 4 weeks of experience with the rule. The new language has been inserted into the Rules of Competition and uploaded into the forms section for continued access. For your convenience, the new language is as follows:

5.10.1 Build Out Line for U9/U10, 7 v 7 Group Play

The build-out line as defined by US Soccer promotes playing the ball out of the back in a less pressured setting. The build out line is subject to the following rules within NCSA:

MARKING THE BUILD OUT LINE:

The build out line is to be placed halfway between the center line and the penalty area line. It may be (a) painted at the touchline or extended by a dashed line across the field (preferably in a different color than the field lines) or (b) marked by low cones, flat soft and pliable markers or flags at least one yard off the field from the touchline. If no markers are provided by the host club, then the referee shall designate the build out line in any reasonable manner other than painting.

OFFSIDE

The build out line on the attacking part of the field replaces the halfway line as the point behind which a player cannot be in an offside position.

GOAL KICKS:

The team not taking the goal kick must retreat behind the build out line on a goal kick. The team taking the goal kick may not take the goal kick until the opposing team has moved behind the build out line. The opposing team may not come past the build out line until the ball is in play, meaning the ball has left the penalty area.

KEEPER SAVES – NO QUICK RELEASE

The opposing team must retreat behind the build out line on a keeper save. The keeper is permitted to wait until the opposing team does so and the 6 second limitation on keeper possession does not start until the opposing team retreats behind the build out line. The opposing team, having moved behind the build out line, may cross the build out line once the keeper releases the ball from in hand possession.

KEEPER SAVES – QUICK RELEASE

The opposing team must always make a good faith effort to retreat behind the build out line on a keeper save. The keeper is permitted to release the ball from in hand possession before the opponents retreat behind the build out line. In such cases, the opponents may not challenge the ball until (a) the keeper has placed the ball at his or her feet or (b) the keeper has released the ball to a teammate and the teammate has had an opportunity to receive the ball without pressure. In such cases, the opponent need not retreat behind the build out line before becoming involved with play.

VIOLATIONS BY OPPOSING TEAM

If an opponent violates the prohibitions above on a goal kick or keeper release, the referee must stop play and award an IFK at the spot of the infraction to the team entitled to the protections of the build out line rule.

KEEPER SAVES – LIMITATION ON KEEPER

The goalkeeper may not punt or drop kick the ball. If the keeper does so, the referee must stop play and award an IFK to the opposing team from the spot of the infraction, subject to Law 13.

DEFENSIVE TEAM FREE KICKS WITHIN BUILD OUT LINE

Normal FK distance rules apply. The build out line is not applicable to free kicks.

END OF RULE

If you have encountered a situation not covered by this rule revision, please let your division commissioner know.